Product Pipeline

Developing Next-generation Treatments to Fight Neurodegenerative and Other Misfolded Protein Diseases

At ProMIS Neurosciences, we use state-of-the-art, proprietary computational modeling to predict and identify specific targets (epitopes) expressed on the molecular surface of toxic oligomers (misfolded proteins), which are known root causes of several neurodegenerative and other misfolded protein diseases. These oligomers are toxic to neurons and can spread throughout the brain or spinal cord, killing neurons, and leading to the development and progression of neurodegenerative and other misfolded protein diseases.

Our Pipeline

We are developing a pipeline of antibodies aimed at selectively targeting misfolded toxic forms of proteins that drive neurodegenerative diseases without interfering with the essential functions of the same properly folded proteins.

A Rigorous Screening and Validation Process

Our process for selecting the best-in-class product candidates begins with the identification of epitopes expressed only on the surface of toxic oligomers. Murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are raised against these targets and evaluated in a 3-step process to identify the best products to take into clinical development. This immunization strategy produces antibodies with the desired selective binding profile.

Initial Screening for Binding

During initial screening for binding, we observe and identify the mAbs that show selective binding to the toxic oligomers and do not bind to the non-toxic forms of the relevant protein. Once the top candidates are selected, they move on to the validation phase.

Functional Assays

Among the validated product candidates, we use two complementary sets of assays to identify those that demonstrate evidence for blocking of neurotoxicity (killing of neurons) and inhibition of propagation (spreading throughout the brain). Only validated products that meet these criteria can move on to undergo testing in animal models to confirm their therapeutic potential.

Final Validation and Selection

In parallel, the binding profiles of the antibody candidates are evaluated using postmortem brain samples from patients. Those that show significant binding to toxic oligomers in brain samples are selected for further development.